"Big_Finish_Entry"

I-hadn't-decided-to-submit-anything-until-the-last-minute.

I-went-to-a-Kinko's-to-use-their-computer.I-didn't-use-spell

check-and-my-address-was-flawed.I-had-to-resend-it.

So,for-better-or-worse,here-it-is.I-fixed-a-few-mistakes.

As she looked pleadingly into John's eyes,her lips moved soundlessly saying,"Help Me!"

John slid his arm around her waist protectively."Yes darling,I was inside speaking to my aunt. How long have you been out here? Introduce me to your friend."He's merely an acquaintance,

Conrad Jenkins and he was just leaving! Take me to get some Hors D'Ouvres. Of course sweetheart, John replied. My aunt will be happy to see you." "But we have unfinished

business Yvette, injected Conrad!" No, I'm quite finished and don't need any further

meetings!,cried Yvette. John senses the anger within Conrad and says,'You're welcome to

be a guest as long as you don't cause problems in my aunt's home. Realizing he is

thwarted for the moment, Conrad turn to go back inside among the other guests. He says to Yvette as he opens the French doors to the party,"This isn't the last time we'll meet!"

John steps up to him, grabs his collar,"Be smart, leave while you can still walk!" Conrad

throws a punch, which John, a karate black belt,blocks and gets himinto an arm lock. John

holds Conrad firmly and walks him into the party to the gasps of onlookers. Aunt Bea

suddenly appears, shocked, "John,what's happened?" Aunt Bea,call the police, they can see to

it that this unpleasant man is taken away!? He'll never again harass my girl!"

"Your girl?!" Oh, that's news! Another onlooker, Mike Snow dials the police and helps hold onto

Conrad. Conrad still glaring at Yvette when he's taken away in the police car.

The party resumed with everyone curious. How did John-meet this woman? Wasn't this a party to meet a bachelor? John wisks Yvette to a quiet corner with cups of punch. "OK, your turn. What's your name, why is Conrad threatening you? You can return me the favor by pretending we're an item. Then these women will stop attempting to get their hooks into me. "I'm Yvette Wilson,

I'm 30 and I can't thank you enough for helping me get away from Conrad. He has been trying

to force me into marrying him. He claims to have evidence that I stole property from my job.

He said if I didn't do what he wanted he could get me fired and thrown in jail. He's been after

me for months to go out with him. I've told him he's not my type. He said since we're both black I have to be his type. Yvette focused her brown eyes into John's blue eyes. Over her shoulder John notices Aunt Bea approaching. My Aunt is heading this way, make this kiss convincing!

Yvette wrapped her arms around John's neck and let him lead. Though she hadn't had any

alcohol,the room started to spin. Sparks from this kiss were sending shockwaves to the pit

of her stomach and causing her toes to tingle! Yvette only came to the party because she

knew Beatrice Grayson from church. She'd only seen her nephew John Mazolla at a distance during the Christmas Eve service. He was a  strikingly handsome man with coal black hair and lagoon blue eyes. HE was well built,6'6",235lbs compared to her 5'4" 130lbs. She heard Beatrice Grayson

talk about her nephew ,the martial artist teaching history classes part-time at  the

Riverside Community College in riverside,California.Out the corner of her eye she could see Bea Grayson turning beet red! "John!" exclaimed Bea, when did you meet yvette? Yvette I never heard you say you knew my nephew!" Yvette didn't trust her voice. She looked at John who quickly answered,"Aunt Bea, Yvette is the woman I am seeing. So, there no need for you to have any more of these singles parties." If you do want me to attend any more events, I'll be bringing Yvette with me."  "Oh, I see",replied Beatrice Grayson,duly chastened. Aunt Bea, said John, I'll be seeing

Yvette home now. Yvette's silver 1998 ford escort was parked across the street from Aunt Bea's Canyon Crest home. In the driveway was John's black 2007 ford Escape Hybrid. Once outside John asked Yvette her address. "I'll follow you home and see you safely inside in case Conrad

shows up." He's probably bailed out and will be looking for a chance at revenge............................................................

 Be honest with me

Yvetter,is there more to it.than just stolen office supplies? "No, she said, "Other than the pressure that he has been putting on me at work . We are the only people of color in our department and

he insists that we have to get together." What about you?,said Yvette. I don't know much about you , except you're Bea Grayson's nephew who teaches karate and history. How old are you?

Where do you live? What type of girl do you really like? Yvette asked while being hypnotized by

his penetrating gaze. I'm 35, I live in East Highland,and you are just my cup of tea!"said  John. "Have you ever dated someone of color?", asked Yvette. " I never dated a white man. I do have relatives who live nearby who know your aunt.She'll probably talk to them before I get the chance

to." "Well,said John,"We need to get our story synchronoized, hone our acting skillsa nd act naturally with each other. "We don't want Conrad to get suspicious. "Are you worried about your families' reaction?" Really, Yvette, this is 2008. This is southern California. This is a melting pot of

society. I do believe what Dr. King said about judging people based onthe content of their character, not the color of their skin. Can you see me as a man who really wants to spend time with you and not care that I'm white? I know you reached out to because I was handy. Bur, now can we start a real relationship?" The chemistry between them was palpable. Yvette looked at John's muscular frame and had to mentally shake herself. Being alone with him was almost like a drug. "Yvette", are you listening to me?" "John, I appreciate you ehlping me but, I don't want a

relationship just to be about sex". I've met lots of guys who only want a warm body until the

next best thing comes along." "You have to admit, said John, that kiss we shared at the party started out for show, but turned real!" "Yes, that's true, Yvette whispered,her eyes traveling to his

chiseled lips. John's calloused palms framed her face as his lips crushed hers. As they came up for air, Yvette placed her palm on his chest and said, "Look, I thnk you'd better leave before this goes any further. I thank ou foa all you've done for me tonight." "Then lets sit for a moment , without touching and plan our next move,John said opening his PDA. "Right,said Yvette. "Would you like some coffee?" "Sure,it'll give us a chance to think,breathed John. "Let's have lunch this week.I think we both know that physical attractionis not enough to base a relationship on." "True",agreed John. "What are your hobbies, what do you like to do when you aren't working?" Yvette poured the cups and said, " I like movies!:. What kind, said JOhn as he sipped th hot liquid. "I'm really exxlectic. I like romance, comedy, drama and action. I saw all three "Rush Hour" films. I dig Jackie Chan.". "Well, said John, that certainly something we share. I did take a few semesters of martial arts. I got a white belt with two stripes. I was going to test for green then the Grand Master heard

that I 'd been missing class. I'd have to get back into it and have the teacher sign a aper to prove I went to class. "Wow", whos' your sensei? "Demura,said Yvette. John's eyes widened, "Fumio Demura is your chief> That explains it!. "You werent' going to take on Conrad were you? Yvette

let out a long sigh, before answering. "If you hadn't come along when you did, I'd have been forced to dust off my skills and act. I wan't going to be force to spend time with someone I despise. "Taking on a guy of Conrad's size wouldn't be easy for a woman." The best thing would be to

strike and run." If people are going to be convinced our relationship is real,then we need to be seen together and often. " "Agreed", nodded Yvette. "My office mates are certainly going to be shocked. I've never mentioned dating anyone. Everybody at the office has a photo on their desk of someone. They all have special ringtones for their husband or boyfriend. "OK",said John, standing to his feet! Lets get me a ringtone for your cell. That ought to start some good office gossip!"Would you like my photo for a screen saver? That should be convincing". Suddenly, John's cell is ringing. He stares at it,"Its my aunt. I'm sure she's just bursting to know details". "Yes, Aunt Beaa. I'm OK. No, Yvettes a great girl." OK,OK, I promise not to kiss anyone in your house again.

"Really John, I was so embarrassed, Aunt Bea continued. People were whispering,'They should get a room and laughing'. I can't tell you all the disappointed women I had to placate. I purposely invisted Mrs. Dillingham's daughter to meet you." "Well, Aunt Bea, I know you mean well but, you've

got no onebut yourself to blame. You can't promise me to anyone. I'm not a prize to give away!

"Is that why you've gotten involved with Yvette?: "You're trying to make a point or are you serious? "I didn't expect someone of our family to be involved with an Aftican American!"

"Aunt Bea, that's enough!" If you can't accept my choice,we have nothing further to talk about. If you want me to attend parties at your home, I'll be bringing Yvette or anyone else I wish or that tells me I'm not welcom. You have to accept the fact that you can't force me to be with one of those boring debutantes. I love you, Aunt Bea but you have to let me live my own life. You say Yvette was goo enough to attend as a church member, but as long as she stays in a box that you designate . That's being hypocritical. Aunt Bea, I'm hanging up before we both say something we'll

regret!." "Sorry you had to hear that", John apologized. But that doesn't change what we've

started!.Agreed!" "Yes", Yvette said shakily. "Now, lets set ringtones on our phones..I'll email you a photo and you can answer with yours. What day is good for you for lunch? 'Wednesday",said Yvette,looking up from her purse calendar. Where shall we meet? Are you familiar with the Mission Inn in Riverside? "Yes, of course, its only the most famous landmark in the area!,cried Yvette.

"Great!"lets meet there about 11am for lunch. Threre are 4 restaurants on site. We can decide once we arrive. Let the valet park your car so you don't have to worry about feeding a meter. I'll be in a meeting but I'll be on my way. There are benches on the walkway leading to the spa. You can wait for me there near the hotel entrance. If you sit on a bench near the driveway, they'll think you're waiting to ick up a car." "Ok,got it!" breathed Yvetter. "You're going to a lot of trouble for a girl you don't know very well. I know that you're a nice girl who just happened to meet the wrong people." We can discuss our upcoming appearance. The police report will be enoughtfor you to get a restraining order if there are any other incidents. You should call your boss and tell him

everything so tht Conrad has nothing to "tell". Yvettes eyes began to mist. "I could get fired" if he

doesn't believe me" John placing his warm hands on both her shoulders breathed,"Look if you

don't go to your boss first,it will look as if you have something to hide. If you did lose your job,there are other places to work." Yvetter walked towards the phone and proceeded to dial Mr. Carter's number. When she finished talking to her boss, John studying her for a moment,"Well,do you still have a job?" 'Yes, Mr. Carter said they've been investigationt he missing supplies. He want me to write up what I've told him and he can add that as documentation fo the incidents.

He said Conrad and some of his friends are being watched. I can't let Conrad know that the boss is watching. I have to act the same as usual. He said he was glas I came to himw tih this. If Conrad approaches me at work to force a date I can have the human resources office talk with him as well as my immediate supervisor." "Ok", John putting on his jacket. "Do you feel safe alone tonight?"

If not, I'll stay ont he couch:. The thought of this beautiful man so close on her couch was to tempting;a bad idea!. "No, its ok, I'll make sure everything is locked and the alarm is on. You've been  a big help". "Then goodnight until lunch tomorrow". With that,John went to his SUV and into the night. Yvetter lay in bed for some time,sleep eluding her. Was tonight a dream? This was part

nightmare,part fairytale. Who knew she'd get to spend timw with the main man at the party. She just came because of a casual invitation. Tomorrow, Conrad would probably appear when the transportation team brought the new office furniture,since he worked with the transportation team.

Sure enough,there was Conrad with a scowl on his face."Whats Up Yvette!,"What's Up!"

"Where's your hero now?" Jules Carter, owner of Dynosystems, stepped into the room. "Conrad,

your job is to unload the new furniture and take out the old, not socialize with the clerical staff."

"Yes Sir!", Conrad huffed. Yvette made a beeline for her cubicle. "If I can get through the day,If I can make it to lunch,Ok." she thought. As she was opening her new desk drawer to put away her purse, there was box she didn't recognize. "What's this?" Betty Templeton, who sat immediately behind her came over. As Yvette opened the box they both gasped to see hundreds of dollars

in cash and blank company checks. "I've never seen this before in my life!",Yvette exclaimed. Betty disappeared adn returned with Mr. Carter. Yvette thrust the box to him. This is the new desk that was just delivered. THe box was already in it! I'd have no way to get access to blank

checks for the company!" As Mr. Carter looked at the contents of the box,he dialed a number

which brought a uniformed officer. The officer took statements from Yvette and Betty. The money and checks taken away to the accounting office. Jules Carter cleared his_throat. "Apparently,

Conrad delivered the new furniture  to the accounting office before he came here. He must have

have grabbed the checks and money and put them in the desk so nothing would be found on him.

A neat way to frame you,Miss Wilson. Its a good thing you called me last night. We have videotape from the surveillance security camera. We know you were never in any of the areas where the

thefts occurred. They're searching for Conrad and his gang now. If you want to take the rest of

the day off  ok"

Yvette reached for her purse just as her cell phone rang. The ringtone was John's! "Hey lady, anything new?" "Whew"! breathed John after she told him what happened. We're still on for lunch right? "I wouldn't miss it!" smiled Yvette. Yvette dashed home to change. She felt light and free. As she drove to downtown Riverside a black Honda civic was following her. Conrad!.

She turned from Market street onto Mission Inn Road. The street was quite congested wtih peoplehaded to the Inn and the museum across the street. Another car turned in behind Conrad with lights flashing,Riverside PD. They pulled Conrad over. As Yvette looked in the rear view

mirrow she saw Conrad spread eagle across the hood of the police black and white

being cuffed. Yvette breathed a deep sigh of relief as she turned into the driveway. The valet

cheerfully took her keys,gave her a receipt.

Gliding down the walkway,past the bust of Booker T. Washington, two Spanish cannons,

an orange tree,she spied the wooden benches outside Duane's steakhouse. She sat for a moment

with eyes closed thanking God for deliverance from an awful situation. A cheery whistle opened her eyes. John! "Were you waiting long?" I just saw the cops driving away with Conrad and a tow

truck taking away his car!" Yvette collapsed on John's shoulder,tears of relief mixed witht he joy of seeing him. "I saw him following me",she said between sobs. "I didn't know what to do,then the police turned on their flashing lights". "Thank God!" John stroked her shoulders."You're safe now".

"Lets order some lunch. No waiting for seating in the patio of 'Las Companas' restaurant. The waiter brought fresh tortilla chips and 3 kinds of salsa. Yvette crushed a tortills chip in her hand while

studying the menu. "I'm glad to have met you,even though the circumstance were strange". Remember,John said,"This may close an unpleasant chapter,but this starts a whole new chapter for us." As John reached fo her hand, Yvette threw the crumbled tortilla chip on the patio where it

was immediately set upon by a dozen little sparrows chirping happily.

THE End!